U.S. patent application number 17/143763 was filed with the patent office on 2021-07-08 for clothes treating apparatus.
The applicant listed for this patent is LG Electronics Inc.. Invention is credited to Seokhyun BAN, Dohyun JUNG, Taehee LEE, Joonho PYO.
Application Number | 20210207313 17/143763 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005342320 |
Filed Date | 2021-07-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210207313 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
BAN; Seokhyun ; et
al. |
July 8, 2021 |
CLOTHES TREATING APPARATUS
Abstract
Disclosed is a clothes treating apparatus including a drum
configured to receive laundry, a tub in which the drum is built, a
main body in which the drum and the tub are disposed, detergent
drawer compartments provided in the main body to be withdrawn from
or inserted in the main body, a spray nozzle configured to spray
washing water to the detergent drawer compartments, a
water-collecting container disposed below the tub to receive the
washing water, a washing line configured to supply the washing
water of the water-collecting container to the spray nozzle, a
circulation line configured to supply the washing water of the
water-collecting container into the drum, and a flow-path
conversion pump configured to receive the washing water from the
water-collecting container and supply the washing water selectively
to the washing line or the circulation line.
Inventors: |
BAN; Seokhyun; (Seoul,
KR) ; LEE; Taehee; (Seoul, KR) ; PYO;
Joonho; (Seoul, KR) ; JUNG; Dohyun; (Seoul,
KR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
LG Electronics Inc. |
Seoul |
|
KR |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005342320 |
Appl. No.: |
17/143763 |
Filed: |
January 7, 2021 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
D06F 39/088 20130101;
D06F 39/085 20130101; D06F 39/028 20130101 |
International
Class: |
D06F 39/08 20060101
D06F039/08; D06F 39/02 20060101 D06F039/02 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jan 7, 2020 |
KR |
10-2020-0002227 |
Feb 5, 2020 |
KR |
10-2020-0013872 |
Claims
1. A clothes treating apparatus comprising: a drum configured to
receive laundry; a tub that accommodates the drum; a main body that
accommodates the tub; a detergent drawer configured to be withdrawn
from and inserted into the main body; a spray nozzle configured to
spray washing water to the detergent drawer; a water-collecting
container disposed below the tub and configured to receive the
washing water; a washing line configured to supply the washing
water from the water-collecting container to the spray nozzle; a
circulation line configured to supply the washing water from the
water-collecting container to the drum; and a flow-path conversion
pump configured to receive the washing water from the
water-collecting container and to supply the washing water
selectively to the washing line or the circulation line.
2. The clothes treating apparatus of claim 1, wherein the detergent
drawer comprises a first detergent compartment and a second
detergent compartment, and wherein the spray nozzle comprises a
first spray nozzle configured to spray the washing water to the
first detergent compartment, and a second spray nozzle configured
to spray the washing water to the second detergent compartment.
3. The clothes treating apparatus of claim 1, wherein the flow-path
conversion pump comprises: an impeller; a motor connected to the
impeller and configured to transmit power to the impeller; an
impeller housing that accommodates the impeller and is configured
to receive the washing water from the water-collecting container,
the impeller housing defining a first housing outlet and a second
housing outlet that extend parallel to a tangential direction of
rotation of the impeller; a flow-path switch that defines an
internal space, the flow-path switch comprising: a first inlet
configured to communicate with the first housing outlet, a second
inlet configured to communicate with the second housing outlet, a
first outlet configured to communicate with the first inlet and
connected to the washing line, and a second outlet configured to
communicate with the second inlet and connected to the circulation
line; and a diaphragm that is disposed in the internal space of the
flow-path switch, that separates the first inlet and the second
inlet from each other, and that separates the first outlet and the
second outlet from each other.
4. The clothes treating apparatus of claim 3, wherein when viewed
from a first direction, a width of the flow-path switch decreases
along a second direction from a first portion to a central portion,
and increases from the central portion to a second portion away
from the central portion, the central portion being disposed
between the first portion and the second portion in the second
direction, and when viewed from a third direction perpendicular to
the first direction and the second direction, the flow-path switch
is in a circular shape.
5. The clothes treating apparatus of claim 4, wherein a sealing
line protruding toward the internal space as a band is formed in an
inner surface of the central portion of the flow-path switch.
6. The clothes treating apparatus of claim 3, wherein the flow-path
switch comprises a pair of parts that are coupled to each other to
define the internal space, and wherein an outer portion of the
diaphragm is coupled between the pair of parts of the flow-path
switch.
7. The clothes treating apparatus of claim 6, wherein the outer
portion of the diaphragm overlaps with the pair of parts of the
flow-path switch and defines a closed curve.
8. The clothes treating apparatus of claim 3, wherein the diaphragm
is made of an elastic material and has a shape in which a central
portion of a circular plate protrudes to have a curvature, where a
protruding direction is changed by 180 degrees (.degree.) based on
an external force.
9. The clothes treating apparatus of claim 8, wherein the diaphragm
extends from an outermost portion to the central portion, and
defines one or more curvatures.
10. The clothes treating apparatus of claim 9, wherein the
diaphragm comprises a coupling portion disposed at the outermost
portion, and wherein a thickness of the coupling portion is greater
than a thickness of other portions of the diaphragm.
11. The clothes treating apparatus of claim 10, wherein the
diaphragm is configured to: based on bending in a first direction,
close the first housing outlet, the first inlet, and the first
outlet; and based on bending in a second direction opposite to the
first direction, close the second housing outlet, the second inlet,
and the second outlet.
12. The clothes treating apparatus of claim 10, wherein the
diaphragm comprises a bent portion disposed adjacent to the
outermost portion, and wherein a thickness of the bent portion is
less than the thickness of the other portions of the diaphragm.
13. The clothes treating apparatus of claim 3, wherein when the
motor rotates the impeller in a clockwise direction, the diaphragm
protrudes in a direction in which the diaphragm blocks the second
housing outlet, the second inlet, and the second outlet by a water
flow leading to the first housing outlet, the first inlet, and the
first outlet.
14. The clothes treating apparatus of claim 3, wherein when the
motor rotates the impeller in a counterclockwise direction, the
diaphragm protrudes in a direction in which the diaphragm blocks
the first housing outlet, the first inlet, and the first outlet by
a water flow leading to the second housing outlet, the second
inlet, and the second outlet.
15. A clothes treating apparatus comprising: a drum configured to
receive laundry; a tub that accommodates the drum; at least one
drum spray nozzle disposed at an inner side of the tub and
configured to spray washing water to an outer circumferential
surface of the drum; a water-collecting container disposed below
the tub and configured to receive the washing water; a second
washing line configured to supply the washing water from the
water-collecting container to the at least one drum spray nozzle; a
drainage line configured to discharge the washing water in the
water-collecting container to an outside of the clothes treating
apparatus; and a flow-path conversion pump configured to receive
the washing water from the water-collecting container and
configured to selectively supply the washing water to the second
washing line or the drainage line.
16. The clothes treating apparatus of claim 15, wherein the at
least one drum spray nozzle comprises: a first drum spray nozzle
configured to spray the washing water to the outer circumferential
surface of the drum; and a second drum spray nozzle configured to
spray the washing water to a rear surface of the drum.
17. The clothes treating apparatus of claim 16, wherein the first
drum spray nozzle is disposed between the outer circumferential
surface of the drum and an upper surface of the tub, and wherein
the second drum spray nozzle is disposed between the rear surface
of the drum and a rear surface of the tub.
18. The clothes treating apparatus of claim 15, wherein the
flow-path conversion pump comprises: an impeller; an impeller
housing that accommodates the impeller and is configured to receive
washing water from the water-collecting container, the impeller
housing defining a first housing outlet and a second housing outlet
that extend parallel to a tangential direction of rotation of the
impeller; a flow-path switch that defines an internal space, the
flow-path switch comprising: a first inlet configured to
communicate with the first housing outlet, a second inlet
configured to communicate with the second housing outlet, a first
outlet configured to communicate with the first inlet and connected
to the washing line, and a second outlet configured to communicate
with the second inlet and connected to the drainage line; and a
diaphragm that is disposed in the internal space of the flow-path
switch, that separates the first inlet and the second inlet from
each other, and that separates the first outlet and the second
outlet from each other.
19. The clothes treating apparatus of claim 18, wherein when the
motor rotates the impeller in a clockwise direction, the diaphragm
protrudes in a direction in which the diaphragm blocks the second
housing outlet, the second inlet, and the second outlet by a water
flow leading to the first housing outlet, the first inlet, and the
first outlet.
20. The clothes treating apparatus of claim 18, wherein when the
motor rotates the impeller in a counterclockwise direction, the
diaphragm protrudes in a direction in which the diaphragm blocks
the first housing outlet, the first inlet, and the first outlet by
a water flow leading to the second housing outlet, the second
inlet, and the second outlet.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of Korean Patent
Application No. 10-2020-0002227, filed on Jan. 7, 2020, and Korean
Patent Application No. 10-2020-0013872, filed on Feb. 5, 2020, the
disclosures of which are incorporated herein in its entirety by
reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] This disclosure relates to an apparatus for treating clothes
using a flow-path conversion pump that forms two or more water
flows using one motor to use washing water in various ways.
BACKGROUND
[0003] In general, a clothes treating apparatus may be a device
that launders dirty laundry but also dries laundry by supplying hot
air to the laundry that has been washed and spin-dried and
evaporating moisture from the laundry. In other words, the clothes
treating apparatus may be a device that serves as both washing
machine and dryer.
[0004] The clothes treating apparatus may have a detergent inlet to
put detergents in when operating as a washing machine. Various
types of detergents may be used, such as powder detergent, liquid
detergent, or fabric softener. Depending on characteristics of
these detergents, some detergents may not be fully used during the
washing, remain in the detergent inlet, and be accumulated therein,
which may cause contamination of laundry. Accordingly, various
methods for maintaining the cleanliness of the detergent inlet are
studied.
SUMMARY
[0005] An aspect is to solve the aforementioned issues and provides
a structure for maintaining a cleanliness of a detergent inlet by
spraying washing water to the detergent inlet.
[0006] Another aspect is to smoothly dissolve a detergent by
directly spraying washing water to the detergent inserted into a
detergent inlet.
[0007] Another aspect provides a structure in which a flow-path
conversion pump that autonomously supplies a water flow to a
plurality of flow paths is provided to circulate washing water and
reuse the washing water for dissolving a detergent or washing a
detergent inlet.
[0008] Another aspect provides a structure that minimizes a flow
loss when changing a flow path of washing water.
[0009] Another aspect provides a clothes treating apparatus
including a flow-path conversion pump having a minimized number of
components and easy to be assembled.
[0010] Another aspect provides a clothes treating apparatus
including a flow-path conversion pump that prevents leakage
occurring in a flow path due to a separation of a diaphragm or
prevents water from flowing back to another flow path.
[0011] According to an aspect, there is provided a clothes treating
apparatus including a drum configured to receive laundry, a tub in
which the drum is built, a main body in which the drum and the tub
are disposed, detergent drawer compartments provided in the main
body to be withdrawn from or inserted in the main body, a spray
nozzle configured to spray washing water to the detergent drawer
compartments, a water-collecting container disposed below the tub
to receive the washing water, a washing line configured to supply
the washing water of the water-collecting container to the spray
nozzle, a circulation line configured to supply the washing water
of the water-collecting container into the drum, and a flow-path
conversion pump configured to receive the washing water from the
water-collecting container and supply the washing water selectively
to the washing line or the circulation line.
[0012] The detergent drawer compartments may include a first
detergent compartment and a second detergent compartment. The spray
nozzle may include a first spray nozzle configured to spray washing
water to the first detergent compartment and a second spray nozzle
configured to spray washing water to the second detergent
compartment.
[0013] The flow-path conversion pump may include an impeller
housing configured to receive washing water supplied from the
water-collecting container, having an impeller built therein, and
including a first housing outlet and a second housing outlet formed
in parallel with a tangential direction of a rotation of the
impeller to correspond to a direction in which the impeller
rotates, a flow-path switch having an internal space, including a
first inlet and a second inlet respectively communicating with the
first housing outlet and the second housing outlet, and including a
first outlet and a second outlet respectively communicating with
the first inlet and the second inlet, a diaphragm disposed in the
internal space of the flow-path switch to separate the first inlet
and the second inlet and separate the first outlet and the second
outlet, and a motor connected to the impeller to transmit power.
The first outlet may be connected to the washing line. The second
outlet may be connected to the circulation line.
[0014] When viewed from a first direction, the flow-path switch may
be in a mortar shape of which a width gradually decreases with
respect to a second direction perpendicular to the first direction
and increases again at a central portion. When viewed from a third
direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second
direction, the flow-path switch may be in a circular shape.
[0015] A sealing line protruding toward the internal space as a
band may be formed in an inner surface of the central portion of
the flow-path switch.
[0016] The flow-path switch may be formed using two parts based on
the diaphragm. When assembling the flow-path switch, an outer
portion of the diaphragm may be assembled while being sandwiched to
overlap between the two parts.
[0017] A portion in which the flow-path switch and the outer
portion of the diaphragm overlap may form a closed curve.
[0018] The diaphragm may be formed of an elastic material and have
a shape in which a central portion of a circular plate protrudes to
have a gentle curvature, where a protruding direction is changed by
180 degrees (.degree.) by an external force.
[0019] The diaphragm may be formed continuously in a process of
protruding from an outermost portion to the central portion, and a
curvature may be changed at least once.
[0020] The diaphragm may be formed to have a uniform thickness
overall, and a coupling portion may be formed at the outermost
portion with a thickness greater than that of other portions.
[0021] The diaphragm may be disposed to close the first housing
outlet, the first inlet, and the first outlet or close the second
housing outlet, the second inlet, and the second outlet.
[0022] The diaphragm may be formed to have a uniform thickness
overall, and a bent portion is formed adjacent to the outermost
portion with a thickness less than that of other portions.
[0023] When the motor rotates the impeller in a clockwise
direction, the diaphragm may protrude in a direction in which the
diaphragm blocks the second housing outlet, the second inlet, and
the second outlet by a water flow leading to the first housing
outlet, the first inlet, and the first outlet.
[0024] When the motor rotates the impeller in a counterclockwise
direction, the diaphragm may protrude in a direction in which the
diaphragm blocks the first housing outlet, the first inlet, and the
first outlet by a water flow leading to the second housing outlet,
the second inlet, and the second outlet.
[0025] According to example embodiments, it is possible to provide
a clothes treating apparatus that maintains a cleanliness of a drum
by directly spraying washing water to an outer circumferential face
of the drum at a high pressure.
[0026] According to example embodiments, it is possible to provide
a clothes treating apparatus that employs a structure in which a
flow path may be changed simply by changing a rotating direction of
a motor of a flow-path conversion pump so that washing water can be
reused and discharged.
[0027] According to example embodiments, it is possible to provide
a clothes treating apparatus that minimizes a flow loss of washing
water occurring due to a rotation of an impeller by forming a
changed flow-path angle to be an obtuse angle.
[0028] According to example embodiments, it is possible to provide
a clothes treating apparatus in which a diaphragm and a flow-path
switch are easily assembled and the flow-path switch is sealed
simultaneously with the assembling, which may lead to
simplification of a structure.
[0029] According to example embodiments, it is possible to provide
a clothes treating apparatus that uses a diaphragm previously
formed in a specific shape, thereby preventing an elastically
deformed state from being maintained continuously.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0030] The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of
certain embodiments will be more apparent from the following
detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings, in which:
[0031] FIG. 1 is a view illustrating an appearance of a clothes
treating apparatus according to an example embodiment of the
present disclosure;
[0032] FIG. 2 is a view illustrating a method of supplying cleaning
water into detergent drawer compartments of a clothes treating
apparatus according to an example embodiment of the present
disclosure;
[0033] FIG. 3 is a view illustrating detergent drawer compartments
of a clothes treating apparatus according to an example embodiment
of the present disclosure;
[0034] FIG. 4 is a view illustrating a flow-path conversion pump
applied to a clothes treating apparatus according to an example
embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0035] FIG. 5 is a view illustrating a flow-path conversion pump
applied to a clothes treating apparatus according to an example
embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0036] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line A-A of
FIG. 5;
[0037] FIG. 7 is a view illustrating an interior of a flow-path
switch applied to a clothes treating apparatus according to an
example embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0038] FIGS. 8A and 8B are views illustrating a diaphragm of a
flow-path conversion pump applied to a clothes treating apparatus
according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure;
and
[0039] FIG. 9 is a view illustrating a drum washing method of a
clothes treating apparatus according to another example embodiment
of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0040] Hereinafter, some example embodiments disclosed in the
present specification will be described in detail with reference to
the accompanying drawings, but identical or similar elements are
denoted by the same reference numerals regardless of drawing
numbers, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted. The
suffixes "module" and "unit" for components used in the following
description are given or used interchangeably in consideration of
only the ease of preparation of the specification, and do not have
meanings or roles that are distinguished from each other. In
addition, in describing the embodiments disclosed in the present
specification, when it is determined that a detailed description of
related known technologies may obscure the gist of the embodiments
disclosed in the present specification, the detailed description
thereof will be omitted. In addition, the accompanying drawings are
for easy understanding of the embodiments disclosed in the present
specification, but the technical idea disclosed in the present
specification is not limited by the accompanying drawings, and it
should be understood to include all modifications, equivalents, or
substitutes included in the spirit and scope of the present
invention.
[0041] Terms including an ordinal number such as first and second
may be used to describe various elements, but the elements are not
limited by the terms. These terms are used only for the purpose of
distinguishing one component from another component.
[0042] When a component is referred to as being "coupled" or
"connected" to another component, it should be understood that it
may be directly coupled or connected to the other component, but
other components may exist in the middle. On the other hand, when a
component is referred to as being "directly coupled" or "directly
connected" to another component, it should be understood that there
is no other component in the middle.
[0043] Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the
context clearly indicates otherwise.
[0044] In the present application, terms such as "comprise" or
"have" are intended to designate the presence of features, numbers,
steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof
described in the specification, but it is to be understood that it
does not preclude in advance the possibility of the presence or
addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions,
components, parts, or combinations thereof
[0045] FIG. 1 is a view illustrating an appearance of a clothes
treating apparatus 100 according to an example embodiment of the
present disclosure and FIG. 2 is a view illustrating a basic
operation principle of the clothes treating apparatus 100 according
to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0046] Referring to FIG. 1, the clothes treating apparatus 100
according to an example embodiment may include a main body 101, a
drum 110 (refer to FIG. 2), a tub 120 (refer to FIG. 2), a door
102, and detergent drawer compartments 105.
[0047] The main body 101 according to an example embodiment may
form an appearance of the clothes treating apparatus 100 and
include the drum 110 and the tub 120. Also, the main body 101 may
have various built-in components such as a driving motor for
rotating the drum 110 and the like.
[0048] The drum 110 according to an example embodiment may be
rotatably built in the main body 101 and receive laundry. The drum
110 may be rotatably supported by a supporter (not shown) at the
front and back.
[0049] The tub 120 according to an example embodiment may include
the drum 110 and serve to separate internal spaces of the drum 110
and the main body 101. During a washing process, washing water
flowing into the drum 110 may be prevented from leaking into the
main body 101. Also, during a process of washing the drum 110, the
washing water sprayed to an outer circumferential face of the drum
110 may be prevented from leaking into the main body 101.
[0050] The door 102 according to an example embodiment may be
rotatably installed on a front side of the main body 101 to open
and close the front of the drum 110.
[0051] The detergent drawer compartments 105 according to an
example embodiment may be provided to be withdrawn or inserted at
the front side of the main body 101. If a detergent to be used in
the washing process is previously put in the detergent drawer
compartments 105, the detergent may be automatically applied inside
the drum 110 at an appropriate time point in the washing process.
For example, if a detergent for pre-washing, a detergent for main
washing, or fabric softener for rinsing laundry is inserted, the
corresponding detergent may be automatically applied to an inside
of the drum 110 at an appropriate time point in the washing
process.
[0052] In addition, the main body 101 may include a plurality of
elastic members (not shown) and a damper (not shown) to support the
drum 110 and restrict vibrations and include a driving motor (not
shown) to rotate the drum 110.
[0053] A flow-path conversion pump (not shown) may be provided
below the drum 110 to discharge washing water in the drum 110 to an
outside of the drum 110, draw the washing water from the drum 110
to circulate the washing water to an upper area of the drum 110,
circulate the washing water to a spray nozzle 130 to dissolve the
detergent or wash the detergent drawer compartments, or circulate
the washing water to a drum spray nozzle 330 (refer to FIG. 9) to
wash the outer circumferential face of the drum 110. Below the
clothes treating apparatus 100, a plurality of legs 130 may be
disposed to be spaced apart from the ground to support the clothes
treating apparatus 100.
[0054] A method of supplying washing water into the detergent
drawer compartments 105 of the clothes treating apparatus 100 will
be described with reference to FIG. 2 as follows.
[0055] The clothes treating apparatus 100 according to an example
embodiment may include the detergent drawer compartments 105, the
spray nozzle 130, a water-collecting container 140, a washing line
150, a circulation line 160, and a flow-path conversion pump
200.
[0056] When operating as a washing machine, the clothes treating
apparatus 100 according to an example embodiment may wash laundry
by rotating the drum 110 after applying washing water and
detergents to the laundry accommodated in the drum 110. According
to the rotation of the drum 110, the laundry may be washed while
contaminants are removed due to shocks and frictions occurring
between laundries or between the washing water and the laundry. A
rotation direction of the drum 110 may be periodically changed to
cause the occurrence of the shocks and frictions between the
laundry and the washing water, whereby the contaminants are more
effectively removed.
[0057] A detergent may be required for the clothes treating
apparatus 100 to effectively wash the laundry. The detergent may be
inserted into the drum 110 along with the laundry so as to be
dissolved by water entering. However, when the detergent is
inserted into the drum along with the laundry, the detergent may
not evenly spread. In addition, the laundry may be unintentionally
damaged at a portion in which the detergent and the laundry contact
intensively. Also, if a timing is missed in a process of rinsing
the laundry, the washing process may be terminated without adding
the fabric softener. Accordingly, the clothes treating apparatus
100 according to an example embodiment may put the required
detergent into the detergent drawer compartments 105 so that the
detergent is automatically applied to the inside of the drum 110 at
an appropriate time point of the washing process.
[0058] Although FIG. 2 illustrates that the detergent drawer
compartments 105 and the spray nozzle 130 are arranged in an upper
portion of the main body 101, it is merely an example, and
positions of the detergent drawer compartments 105 and the spray
nozzle 130 may be changed based on a position of the detergent
drawer compartments 105. In order to help the understanding of the
present disclosure, the following description will be given based
on a case in which the detergent drawer compartments 105 and the
spray nozzle 130 are located in the upper portion of the main body
101.
[0059] The detergent drawer compartments 105 according to an
example embodiment may be disposed in the upper portion of the main
body 101 to be slidably withdrawn from or inserted into the main
body 101. A user may withdraw the detergent drawer compartments 105
and previously put a detergent required for the washing process
therein. Through this, the missing of the timing for inserting the
required detergent may be prevented.
[0060] The spray nozzle 130 according to an example embodiment may
be disposed to spray the supplied washing water to the detergent
drawer compartments 105. When the washing water is sprayed to the
detergent in the detergent drawer compartments 105, the detergent
may be preliminarily dissolved to flow into the drum. Through this,
the detergent may be evenly applied to the laundry, which may
prevent a damage to the laundry. For example, when a user uses a
powder detergent, the powder detergent may be dissolved by the
washing water and then flow into the drum. In this case, the
dissolved powder detergent may be evenly applied to the laundry and
prevent a damage to the laundry. When the user uses a liquid
detergent, the washing water lowers a viscosity of the liquid
detergent, it is easy to distribute the detergent evenly in the
laundry and possible to prevent a damage to some laundry due to
intensively absorption of the detergent. Similarly, when the fabric
softener is inserted in the detergent drawer compartments 105, the
fabric softener may flow into the drum along with the washing water
in a process of rinsing the laundry so as to evenly contact the
laundry.
[0061] In addition, even when the detergent is absent in the
detergent drawer compartments 105, the washing water may be sprayed
to the detergent drawer compartments 105 through the spray nozzle
130. During the repeated washing, a small amount of the detergent
or fabric softener may remain in the detergent drawer compartments
105 and accumulated therein. Such a remaining detergent may not
only contaminate the detergent drawer compartments 105 but may also
enter the drum 110 during the washing process and act as
contaminants. To prevent this, the spray nozzle 130 may spray the
washing water to the detergent drawer compartments 105 at a high
pressure so that the detergent drawer compartments 105 is
washed.
[0062] The washing line 150 according to an example embodiment may
connect the water-collecting container 140 and the spray nozzle
130. The circulation line 160 may connect the water-collecting
container 140 and an upper area of the drum 110.
[0063] The washing water supplied to the drum 110 according to an
example embodiment may be received in the water-collecting
container 140 under the tub 120. When the washing water is received
at a predetermined level or higher, the received washing water may
be supplied to the spray nozzle 130 or circulated to the upper area
of the drum 110 through the flow-path conversion pump 200 through a
sensor 141 embedded in the water-collecting container 140 as
described below.
[0064] FIG. 3 is a view illustrating a clothes treating apparatus
enlarged by focusing on the detergent drawer compartments 105 and
the spray nozzle 130 according to an example embodiment.
[0065] The detergent drawer compartments 105 according to an
example embodiment may include a first detergent compartment and a
second detergent compartment 107. Although FIG. 3 illustrates that
the detergent drawer compartments 105 include the first detergent
compartment 106 and the second detergent compartment 107, it is
merely an example, and the detergent drawer compartments 105 may
include two or more detergent compartments.
[0066] For example, the first detergent compartment 106 may be
filled with a detergent for pre-washing, and the second detergent
compartment 107 may be filled with a detergent for main washing. In
addition, a third detergent compartment may be further provided and
filled with a fabric softener required for a laundry rinsing
process.
[0067] The spray nozzle 130 according to an example embodiment may
include a first spray nozzle 131 and a second spray nozzle 133.
Like the detergent drawer compartments, the spray nozzle 130 is not
limited as including the first spray nozzle 131 and the second
spray nozzle 133, and may include two or more spray nozzles based
on the number of detergent compartments.
[0068] For example, the first spray nozzle 131 may be disposed to
spray the washing water to the first detergent compartment 106.
Also, the second spray nozzle 133 may be disposed to spray the
washing water to the second detergent compartment 107. The spray
nozzle 130 according to an example embodiment may receive washing
water from the flow-path conversion pump 200 and spray the washing
water to the detergent drawer compartments 105. Hence, a spraying
pressure of the washing water may be adjusted by adjusting a
rotation speed of a motor of the flow-path conversion pump 200.
[0069] FIG. 4 is a view illustrating the flow-path conversion pump
200 according to an example embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0070] The flow-path conversion pump 200 according to an example
embodiment may be connected to the water-collecting container 140
to receive washing water and supply the washing water to the
washing line 150 or the circulation line 160.
[0071] In the foregoing, the flow-path conversion pump that
selectively supplies cleaning water or washing water to the washing
line 150 or the circulation line 160 has been described with
reference to FIG. 2. However, it is merely an example, and
embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, the washing line
150 and a drainage line (not shown) discharging washing water to an
outside of the main body 101 may be connected to the flow-path
conversion pump 200 so that the washing water or cleaning water is
supplied selectively. In order to help the understanding of the
present disclosure, the following description will be given of a
clothes treating apparatus in which water is selectively supplied
to the circulation line 160 and the washing line 150 as an
example.
[0072] As such, in the clothes treating apparatus according to an
example embodiment, instead of providing a separate pump for each
flow-path required to supply the washing water, a single flow-path
conversion pump 200 may be used to generate two flow paths, thereby
reducing the number of pumps required therefor.
[0073] In describing a clothes treating apparatus 100 according to
an example embodiment, "washing water" may refer to water used to
remove contaminants from laundry when the clothes treating
apparatus 200 operates as a washing machine, and "cleaning water"
may refer to washing water or water supplied from an external
source to the spray nozzle 130. That is, the washing water may also
be used as the cleaning water, and it is not an absolutely distinct
concept.
[0074] FIG. 4 illustrates an example of the flow-path conversion
pump 200 placed in the clothes treating apparatus 100, and a
specific appearance may be changed based on a design.
[0075] FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating the flow-path
conversion pump 200 applied to a clothes treating apparatus
according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure and
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line A-A of FIG. 5.
More specifically, FIG. 5 illustrates a portion (e.g., a case in
which water is selectively supplied to the circulation line 160 and
the washing line 150) the flow-path conversion pump 200 of FIG.
3.
[0076] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the flow-path conversion pump
200 according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure
may include an impeller housing 220, a flow-path switch 230, a
diaphragm 240, and a motor 250.
[0077] Washing water collected in the water-collecting container
140 may flow into the impeller housing 220 according to the example
embodiment. The impeller housing 220 may include an impeller 225
connected to the motor 250 and rotating in a predetermined
direction. For example, the impeller 225 may rotate in a clockwise
direction or a counterclockwise direction based on a rotating
direction of the motor 250. Based on a rotating direction of the
impeller 225, a flow of the washing water in the flow-path
conversion pump 200 may be changed. In addition, the rotating
direction and speed of the motor 250 may be controlled so that the
motor 250 is operated at a high speed when the washing water is to
be sprayed at a high pressure and is operated at a relatively low
speed when the washing water is to be sprayed at a relatively low
pressure. Through this, unnecessary noise occurrence and power
consumption may be prevented. For example, when supplying the
washing water to the spray nozzle 130 through the washing line 150,
the motor 250 may be operated at a high speed to increase a
spraying pressure of the spray nozzle 130. In contrast, when
discharging the washing water through the circulation line 160, the
motor 250 may be operated at a relatively low speed to prevent
unnecessary noise occurrence and power consumption.
[0078] The impeller housing 220 according to an example embodiment
may include a first housing outlet 221 and a second housing outlet
223. The first housing outlet 221 and the second housing outlet 223
may be formed in parallel in a tangential direction with respect to
a rotating direction of the impeller 225. For example, if the first
housing outlet 221 is formed parallel to a tangential direction of
when the impeller 225 rotates in the clockwise direction, the
second housing outlet 223 may be formed in parallel to a tangential
direction of when the impeller 225 rotates in the counterclockwise
direction. By arranging the first housing outlet 221 and the second
housing outlet 223 in parallel in directions tangential to the
rotating direction of the impeller 225, a flow loss of the washing
water generated by the impeller 225 may be minimized.
[0079] The flow-path switch 230 according to an example embodiment
may include a first inlet 231, a second inlet 233, a first outlet
235, and a second outlet 237. The first inlet 231 according to an
example embodiment may be coupled to communicate with the first
housing outlet 221, and the second inlet 233 may be coupled to
communicate with the second housing outlet 223. The first inlet 231
and the second inlet 233 may extend along a direction of the first
housing outlet 221 and the second housing outlet 223 to be supplied
with the washing water while minimizing the flow loss of a water
flow generated by the impeller 225. The washing water introduced
through the first inlet 231 may be discharged to the first outlet
235 through an internal space 239. As such, a flow path leading to
the first housing outlet 221, the first inlet 231, and the first
outlet 235 may be defined as a first flow path. In addition, the
washing water introduced through the second inlet 233 may be
discharged to the second outlet 237 through the internal space 239.
As such, a flow path leading to the second housing outlet 223, the
second inlet 233, and the second outlet 237 may be defined as a
second flow path. The internal space 239 of the flow-path switch
230 may be divided by the below-described diaphragm 240 to prevent
the washing water introduced through the first inlet 231 and the
washing water introduced through the second inlet 233 from being
mixed with each other. Also, the diaphragm 240 may be formed to
block the second inlet 233 when the first inlet 231 is opened and
block the first inlet 231 when the second inlet 233 is opened. In
other words, the diaphragm 240 may be formed to open either the
first flow path or the second flow path.
[0080] As described above, different water flows may be generated
in two flow paths based on the rotating direction of the impeller
225 to supply the washing water, so that one motor 250 serves as
two pumps. For example, when the first outlet 235 is connected to
the washing line 150 (refer to FIG. 2), the washing water may be
supplied to the spray nozzle 130 (refer to FIG. 2). Also, when the
second outlet 237 is connected to the circulation line 160 (refer
to FIG. 2), the washing water may be discharged to outside the
clothes treating apparatus 100 (refer to FIG. 2).
[0081] In describing the flow-path conversion pump 200 according to
an example embodiment of the present disclosure, a direction may be
defined and used to aid understanding. For example, a first
direction may be a direction facing the motor 250, the first
housing outlet 221, and the second housing outlet 223
simultaneously, which is a direction facing a lower left end based
on an illustrated state of FIG. 5. A second direction may be a
direction perpendicular to the first direction and facing upward
based on the illustrated state of FIG. 5. The third direction may
be a direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second
direction, which is a lower right direction based on the
illustrated state of FIG. 5.
[0082] The foregoing direction definitions are only for aiding
understanding of the present disclosure and are not absolute, and
when one direction reference is changed, the other direction
reference may be changed in response thereto.
[0083] When viewed from the first direction, the flow-path switch
230 according to an example embodiment may be formed in a mortar
shape in which a width decreases gradually and then increases again
at a central portion 238 while extending in the second direction.
As described above, the flow-path switch 230 may be formed to close
one flow path when the other flow path is opened by the built-in
diaphragm 240. In this instance, if the flow-path switch 230 is
formed to have the same width, when one flow path is opened to
close the other flow path, one flow path may be widened. In this
case, a large flow loss may occur due to the sudden expansion of
the flow path. In addition, the force to pressurize the diaphragm
240 is reduced, so that the force to close the other flow path is
insufficient, and the washing water may flow back to the other flow
path. Accordingly, in the present disclosure, the width of the
central portion 238 of the flow-path switch 230 may be reduced to
prevent the flow pressure of the washing water from sudden lowering
and maintain the pressure of the diaphragm 240 for closing the flow
path on the other side even if the diaphragm 240 opens one flow
path and closes the other flow path. For example, the width of the
central portion 238 of the flow-path switch 230 may be similar to a
width of the first inlet 231 or the second inlet 233. By gradually
reducing the width of the central portion 238 of the flow-path
switch 230, a drastic change of the flow path may be prevented,
thereby minimizing a flow pressure loss of the washing water.
[0084] The flow-path switch 230 according to an example embodiment
may have a circular shape when viewed from the third direction. The
flow-path switch 230 may be formed to correspond to an outer shape
of the diaphragm 240 described later and coupled to overlap a
portion of an outermost portion 241 of the diaphragm 240. Through
this, a path leading to the first housing outlet 221, the first
inlet 231, and the first outlet 235 may be distinguished from a
path leading to the second housing outlet 223, the second inlet
233, and the second outlet 237.
[0085] The diaphragm 240 according to an example embodiment may be
circular, formed of a rubber material that is elastically
deformable, and have a shape of a circular plate with a protruding
central portion having a gentle curvature. The diaphragm 240 may be
formed such that the protruding direction is changed by 180 degrees
(.degree.) when a force of a certain amount or more is applied to
the central portion. For example, when the washing water flows into
the first flow path, the central portion of the diaphragm 240 may
protrude toward the second flow path due to the flow pressure and
contact the central portion 238 of the flow-path switch 230 to
block the second housing outlet 223. A degree of protrusion of the
central portion of the diaphragm 240 may be the extent to block the
first housing outlet 221 or the second housing outlet 223. For
example, the central portion of the diaphragm 240 may contact a
sealing line 234 or protrude to be pressed by a predetermined
degree. As the central portion of the diaphragm 240 protrudes while
forming a gentle curvature, and the flow-path switch 230 is
gradually widened again from the central portion 238 toward the
second direction, the flow loss of the washing water may be
minimized.
[0086] FIG. 7 is a view illustrating an interior of the flow path
switch 230 applied to a clothes treating apparatus according to an
example embodiment of the present disclosure. More specifically,
FIG. 7 illustrates the flow-path switch 230 with omitting some
components therein.
[0087] According to an example embodiment, the flow-path switch 230
may be divided into two parts based on the diaphragm 240. For
example, the flow-path switch 230 may be divided into a part
forming a first flow path and a part forming a second flow path.
The flow-path switch 230 may be coupled with the diaphragm 240
interposed therebetween to overlap a portion of the outermost
portion 241 of the diaphragm 240. An overlapping portion between
the flow-path switch 230 and the outermost portion 241 of the
diaphragm 240 may form a closed curve. As such, when coupled with
the diaphragm 240 to overlap a portion of the outermost portion
241, the first flow path and the second flow path may be separated
and simultaneously, a coupled portion of the two parts may be
sealed to prevent leakage. The flow-path switch 230 may be
assembled by rotating two parts circularly formed to interpose the
diaphragm 240 therebetween while the two parts are in contact with
each other. However, it is merely an example, and any method of
combining two parts may be applied in various ways.
[0088] The sealing line 234 may be formed on an inner surface of
the central portion 238 of the flow-path switch 230. The sealing
line 234 may protrude from an inner surface of the central portion
238 with forming a band, and may form a ring shape when the two
parts of the flow-path switch 230 are assembled. The sealing line
234 may be formed to correspond to a protruding shape of the
diaphragm 240. As described above, the sealing line 234 and the
diaphragm 240 may be in line contact with each other, or in contact
with each other such that a central portion of the diaphragm 240 is
pressed by a predetermined degree.
[0089] FIGS. 8A and 8B are views illustrating the diaphragm 240
applied to a clothes treating apparatus according to an example
embodiment of the present disclosure. More specifically, FIG. 8A is
a perspective view of the diaphragm 240 and FIG. 8B is a
cross-sectional view taken along a ling B-B of FIG. 8A.
[0090] Referring to FIGS. 8A and 8B, the diaphragm 240 according to
an example embodiment may be formed of a rubber material that is
elastically deformable, and may have a shape of a circular plate
with a protruding central portion forming a gentle curvature. The
diaphragm 240 may be pre-formed to maintain the protruding shape of
the central portion. Also, the diaphragm 240 may be formed such
that the protruding direction is changed by 180.degree. when a
force of a certain amount or more is applied to the central
portion. As the diaphragm 240 maintains a protruding state in one
direction, either side of the first flow path or the second flow
path may be closed and the other side may be open. By pre-forming
the diaphragm 240 to close one flow path, it is possible to
significantly reduce a flow pressure of washing water required to
close a flow path on one side. Through this, it is possible to
increase a durability of the diaphragm 240, more reliably close the
flow path of any one side, and prevent a reverse flow of the
washing water. The central portion of the diaphragm 240 may
protrude while forming a gentle curvature in a continuous shape. In
this instance, a curvature may be changed at least once. For
example, the central portion may be deformed so that a protruding
amount of the central portion decreases with respect to a reference
line L shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B. In the outermost portion 241 of
the diaphragm 240, a curvature may be formed sufficiently large to
protrude radically so that the amount of protrusion is larger than
that of the central portion. Through this, a change in the
protruding direction of the diaphragm 240 may be made more clearly.
In the central portion of the diaphragm 240, the curvature may be
formed to be relatively small so that the amount of protrusion is
relatively small, so that a change in the first flow path or the
second flow path is made as smooth as possible, thereby minimizing
flow loss.
[0091] The diaphragm 240 according to an example embodiment may be
formed to have a uniform thickness overall. In the outermost
portion 241, a coupling portion 241 may be formed to have a
thickness greater than that of another portion. As described above,
the flow-path switch 230 may be coupled with the diaphragm 240
interposed therebetween to overlap a portion of the outermost
portion 241 of the diaphragm 240 so that a coupling portion of the
two parts are sealed to prevent leakage. Accordingly, the
durability and sealing force of the diaphragm 240 may be increased
by forming a thick overlapping portion of the outermost portion
241. According to the example embodiment, in a vicinity of the
outermost portion 241 of the diaphragm 240, a bent portion 243 may
be formed to have a thickness less than that of another portion.
Particularly, the diaphragm 240 may be formed to be converted by a
flow pressure of the washing water flowing through the first flow
path or the second flow path without having a separate actuator for
changing the protruding direction. As described above, a rotational
speed of the motor 250 may be controlled so that the motor 150 is
controlled to rotate quickly when draining and to rotate relatively
slowly during circulation. When the motor 250 rotates slowly, the
flow pressure of the washing water may be lowered. Even in this
case, a thin portion such as the bent portion 243 may be provided
to facilitate the conversion of the protruding direction of the
diaphragm 240.
[0092] FIG. 9 is a view illustrating a drum washing method of a
clothes treating apparatus 100 according to another example
embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0093] The clothes treating apparatus 100 according to another
example embodiment may include a drum spray nozzle 330, a
water-collecting container 140, a second washing line 350, a
drainage line 360, and a flow-path conversion pump 200.
[0094] When operating as a washing machine, the clothes treating
apparatus 100 according to another example embodiment may wash
laundry by rotating the drum 110 after applying washing water and
detergents to the laundry accommodated in the drum 110. According
to the rotation of the drum 110, the laundry may be washed while
contaminants are removed due to frictions occurring between
laundries or between the washing water and the laundry. A rotation
direction of the drum 110 may be periodically changed so that the
contaminants are more effectively removed.
[0095] When operating as a drying machine, the clothes treating
apparatus 100 according to another example embodiment may remove
moisture of an object to be dried by continuously circulating hot
and dry air to the object inserted into the drum 110. The hot and
dry air may be supplied using a heat pump cycle or generated using
an electric heater.
[0096] As such, when the clothes treating apparatus 100 operates as
the washing machine, the contaminants removed from the laundry may
be discharged along with the washing water. However, during the
repeated washing process, some contaminants may not be discharged
and may remain and accumulate between the drum 110 and the tub 120.
In particular, due to the characteristic that the washing water and
the contaminants are discharged through a bottom of the drum 110,
some contaminants floating on an upper surface of the washing water
may cling onto the drum 110 and be accumulated.
[0097] In addition, when the clothes treating apparatus 100
operates as a drying machine, dust generated from clothes as the
laundry is dried may remain and accumulate between the drum 110 and
the tub 120 in a circulation process of the hot air. The dust
accumulated in the tub 120 may be washed and removed in a process
of discharging the washing water, but it may be difficult to remove
containments accumulated on an outer face of the drum 110.
[0098] To solve this, in the clothes treating apparatus 100
according to another example embodiment, the drum spray nozzle 330
may be disposed between the drum 110 and the tub 120 the tub 120.
The drum spray nozzle 330 may spray the washing water to the outer
face of the drum 110 or an inner face of the tub 120 at the high
pressure so as to remove the accumulated contaminants.
[0099] Although FIG. 9 illustrates that the drum spray nozzle 330
is disposed to spray the washing water toward the drum 110, it is
merely an example, and the drum spray nozzle 330 may also be
disposed to spray the washing water toward an inner circumferential
face of the tub 120. However, in order to help the understanding of
the present disclosure, the following description is given based on
a case in which the washing water is sprayed to the outer face of
the drum 110.
[0100] The drum spray nozzle 330 according to another example
embodiment may include a first drum spray nozzle 331 and a second
drum spray nozzle 333. For example, the first drum spray nozzle 331
may be disposed to spray the washing water to the outer
circumferential face of the drum 110, and the second drum spray
nozzle 333 may be disposed to spray the washing water to a rear
face of the drum 110. The drum spray nozzle 330 according to
another example embodiment may receive washing water from the
flow-path conversion pump 200 and spray the washing water to the
outer face of the drum 110. The flow-path conversion pump 200 may
adjust a spraying pressure of the washing water by adjusting a
rotation speed of a motor.
[0101] The second washing line 350 according to another example
embodiment may connect the water-collecting container 140 and the
drum spray nozzle 330. The drainage line 360 may connect the
water-collecting container 140 and a drainage hole.
[0102] The washing water sprayed to the outer face of the drum 110
according to another example embodiment may be collected in the
water-collecting container 140 below the tub 120. When the washing
water is received at a predetermined level or higher, the received
washing water may be supplied to the drum spray nozzle 330 or
discharged to an outside of the flow-path conversion pump 200
through the sensor 141 embedded in the water-collecting container
140.
[0103] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various
modifications and variations can be made in the present disclosure
without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosure.
[0104] The above detailed description should not be construed as
restrictive in all respects and should be considered as
illustrative. The scope of the present disclosure should be
determined by reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and
all modifications within the equivalent scope of the present
disclosure are included in the scope of the present disclosure.
* * * * *